Online Safety

Protecting Our Church Community

The internet is a powerful tool for connection, but it also comes with risks. Churches, like many organizations, can be targeted by scams and fraudulent activity. One common tactic involves scammers impersonating pastors or church leaders to solicit money, gift cards, or other financial instruments from members of the congregation. At Peace Lutheran Church, we are committed to protecting our community and ensuring you have the information you need to stay safe.

What You Need To Know

Our Leaders will never ask for money directly. Please be aware that our pastor and church leaders will never reach out to you personally––via email, text, or phone call––to solicit money, gift cards, or any other financial contribution.

Official Communications Only. All communications from the church will come through official channels, using the church's official email address (example@myplc.org). We do not use personal email accounts or unofficial messaging platforms to conduct church business.

Requests for Urgent Help Are Likely Scams. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming the pastor is in an emergency or needs immediate help. If you receive such a message, do not respond.

How You Can Stay Safe

Be cautious with emails, texts, or calls that seem urgent or unusual.
Double-check the sender's email address to ensure it matches the church's official domain.
Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
Report any scams or suspicious activity to the church office so we can help protect others in the congregation.

What To Do If You Receive A Suspicious Message

Stop and Verify. If you receive a message claiming to be from the pastor or a church leader asking for money or financial assistance, pause and verify its authenticity.

Contact the Church Office. If you're unsure about a message, contact the church office immediately at 301-843-1832 or admin@myplc.org. The office will confirm whether the communication is legitimate.

Do Not Share Personal Information. Avoid sharing your personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from someone you trust.

A Reminder

Your safety and security are our priority. If you ever have questions or concerns about a message you've received, please do not hesitate to reach out to the church office. By staying vigilant and informed, we can work together to protect our church community from scams and fraudulent activity.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and trusted environment for all.